Replacement Equipment

Shackelford Heating and Cooling is a local residential heating and cooling replacement equipment specialist. We service all homes in the Madison area and communities in Dane County and surrounding areas. Call us today for a quick, no obligation, free in-home estimate.

Why Replace An Existing HVAC System?

People tend to replace home equipment at the last hour, when their existing equipment breaks down and is beyond any repair. Such a practice can prove to be expensive in the long-term, especially for high-use essential equipment like an HVAC system.

Compressor units in heat pumps and air conditions tend to last for 7 to 14 years, depending on usage patterns and quality of the equipment. The life span of a residential furnace is approximately 15 to 20 years.

Typically, you need HVAC equipment replacement when you frequently face the following issues.

Some areas of your house do not get heated or cooled

The air in your house is too dry or too humid

Your house is always dusty

The HVAC system is very noisy

The HVAC equipment need regular repairs

Repairing an old, outdated HVAC system will increase your costs. This is because of the following reasons.

1. The costs of repairing old heaters and air coolers can be very high. Often, specific parts might be unavailable.

2. Old HVAC systems are not as energy efficient as the new models. An 8 year old HVAC system can use twice the amount of electricity used by a new model. This will increase your utility costs significantly.

Prior to 2006, 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) was the minimum standard for home coolers and heaters. However, post 2006 the minimum ratio has been changed to 13 SEER. This means that new HVAC equipment have 30 percent lower electrical consumption resulting in lower electricity bills.

3. As the entire system becomes weak, there will be leaks in the duct pipes and other damages that will make the HVAC system inefficient. Repairing specific equipment may not result in any benefit as the entire temperature regulation system might have problems.

Leaky duct systems can lead to accumulation of dust spores and pollen in your home as well as draw musty air from attics and basements into the living spaces. In addition, very old houses tend to have weak insulation.

In such a situation, having a complete HVAC equipment replacement is the best solution. A reliable and experienced contractor will be able to identify the weak points of your existing HVAC system and take measures to fix them. This will make your home temperature regulation system more effective and safe.

Considerations While Replacing a Home HVAC System

A residential HVAC system comprises an outdoor fixed unit (condenser coil and compressor equipment) and an indoor unit (air handler or gas furnace with a blower unit and evaporating coils). Usually the conditioned air is circulated throughout the house using a duct system. While replacing an old HVAC system, you can also incorporate additional features such as humidifiers and air purifiers.

If you decide to replace your old HVAC system before your old one stops functioning, you will have ample to time to do market research and take a considered decision.

Checklist for choosing a new HVAC system:

The size of the HVAC system should be according to the requirements of your house. An unnecessarily large system is inefficient, expensive, and will lead to excess humidity.

The cooling and heating equipment must compile with Federal energy consumption standards.

Ask for a comprehensive written estimate from the contractor stating the cost of replacing the HVAC system, along with an entire list of parts and services provided.

Make sure that the contractor does an “in home analysis” before providing a written plan and estimate.

Always check the credentials of the contractor. Also, ensure that the equipment is from a reputed manufacturer.

Check the warranty terms and conditions.

For further information, contact Shackelford Heating & Cooling for a professional consultation.